[Pythonmac-SIG] Python for OSX programming beginner?

[Ronald Oussoren]

On Monday, Mar 24, 2003, at 18:51 Europe/Amsterdam, Kevin Ollivier 
wrote:
>
>> Why learn Python rather than battle on and master C or more 
>> particularly Objective C ?
>
> Python helps developers generate code that is less buggy and more 
> readable.  It's also an excellent language for teaching people the 
> concepts of programming, because the data types are abstract and 
> flexible, and work intuitively. Some people call Python "executable 
> pseudocode", and I tend to agree. =) It is very hard to learn how to 
> program when a small mistake can cause your program not to run and 
> require you to spend hours debugging.
>
> If your nephew later decides to move onto C and Objective C, at the 
> least he'll have a solid understanding of the core aspects of 
> programming, and will be better prepared to handle more powerful 
> languages.

<plug class="shameless">
And python should not keep you away from programming using the Cocoa 
libraries (which would be the primary reason for learing Objective-C). 
PyObjC (http://pyobjc.sf.net) allows full access to the power of Cocoa. 
  Be warned though that Cocoa itself has a pretty steep learning curve, 
I'd start with non-GUI programs before moving on to Cocoa (and GUI 
libraries in general).
</plug>

Ronald